Robotics Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 21, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 21, 2026. EyeROV scores B on the Alion truth index.
Job Purpose
Develop reliable robotics software and firmware that connect onboard computers, microcontrollers, sensors and actuators. Own assigned modules from design and implementation through integration, testing and technical documentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop C++ ROS 2 nodes, interfaces, actions and lifecycle-managed components for ROV systems and payload automation.
- Write embedded C/C++ for microcontrollers, peripheral interfaces, actuator control, watchdogs and local fault handling.
- Use Python for test automation, hardware simulation, diagnostics and engineering utilities.
- Define hardware and software interfaces; integrate sensors and actuators over CAN, UART, SPI, I2C or Ethernet as applicable.
- Implement interlocks, timeouts, command validation and safe recovery; debug failures across firmware, communications and ROS 2.
- Maintain reviewed code, reproducible builds, test evidence and documentation; support bench integration and supervised vehicle trials.
Required Qualifications and Experience
1-3 years of hands-on experience in robotics software, embedded firmware or closely related engineering. Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Electronics, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated practical experience.
Candidates should be able to explain code they have built, integrated and debugged. Underwater robotics experience is preferred.
Skills and Competencies
Must-have technical skills
- C++: object-oriented design, ownership and memory management, state machines, concurrency and debugging.
- Python: scripts, automated tests, data handling and simulation of hardware interfaces.
- ROS 2: packages, topics, services, actions, parameters, launch files, lifecycle nodes, executors and basic QoS.
- Embedded programming: microcontrollers, GPIO, timers, interrupts, PWM, serial interfaces, watchdogs and safe startup behavior.
- Linux, Git, CMake and colcon; ability to diagnose timing, communication and integration faults.
Preferred: STM32/ESP32 or equivalent, RTOS fundamentals, CAN, bench debugging with a logic analyzer or oscilloscope, and software/hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Behavioral competencies: structured problem solving, clear communication, ownership, careful documentation and collaboration with mechanical, electronics and testing teams.